There's nothing like a trip to the seaside for instant relaxation, whether you're taking in the fresh sea air during a stroll on the beach, or indulging and tucking into mouthwatering fish and chips.

That's why Brighton is top of our list for a UK staycation - it offers everything you'd expect from a resort town, but with much, much more thrown in.

There's a picturesque marina and a pier packed with fun-filled attractions that are ideal for a day out making the most of the great outdoors, but if the British weather lets you down there are also countless museums just waiting to be checked out - the Toy Museum is a particular hit if you've got little ones.

And that's just for daytime. Once the sun sets, the town's vibrant nightlife flourishes and there are plenty of bars and restaurants that tailor to everyone from couples wanting a romantic night out to groups of stags and hens making the most of the thriving club scene.

The best part is that you don't need to break the bank to make the most of your stay as there are some brilliant budget-friendly hotels tucked away in its quaint streets.

We reveal our favourite hotels for a cheap stay in the city...

1. Hotel Fab Guest

(Image: Booking.com/Fab Guest)

On the doorstep of: The Brighton Pavilion

This eclectic boutique hotel boasts a seriously impressive location: it's just a one-minute walk from the beach and Brighton seafront, not to mention it's just only ten minutes away from Brighton Pavilion.

The Georgian townhouse boasts eye-catching interiors, contemporary furniture and original artwork - all made by local designers.

All the rooms boast quirky features from LED lights you can adjust depending on your mood to ensuite bathrooms with wet room showers or free standing baths - don't get us started on the luxurious complimentary toilettries.

While the majority of the rooms overlook the property's picturesque courtyard gardens, some do offer brilliant views of the sea too!

Read More

3. Malmaison Brighton

(Image: Trivago/Malmaison Brighton)

On the doorstep of: Brighton Marina

This cosy hotel looks out over the marina, and is just a 20-minute walk from the beach, not to mention it's close enough to the city centre that you can make the most of the bars and restaurants, but still has a quiet, peaceful location.

Rooms offer great views of the sea, not to mention some have outdoor terraces which are ideal for taking in the sunsets at the end of a busy day.

Meanwhile, the extremely comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with monsoon showers will leave you with that just-been-to-the-spa feeling!

There's a large and light bar with views of the marina, while the restaurant has a conservatory and outdoor terrace and serves up a menu of modern, mouth-watering British classics.

Read More

4. Brighton House

(Image: Booking.com/Brighton House)

On the doorstep of: Preston Street

Foodies will no doubt enjoy this hotel's proximity to the 'restaurant street' of Brighton, which does what it says on the tin and offers a host of bars, restaurants and pubs from which you can dine on a wide array of local and international cuisines.

However, when it comes to breakfast, you may want to make the most of this refurbished town house's impressive offerings of a largely organic buffet-style menu.

There's a room to suit everyone - all of which are ensuite - from those travelling alone to couples after a cosy room with a balcony, or just after a luxurious room with a king-sized bed!

5. Airbnb Luxurious Loft Living

We know that an Airbnb is technically not a hotel, but there are some brilliant budget-friendly apartments and lofts tucked away in the streets that are ideal if you're trying to save the pennies!

We're loving this spacious one-bedroom apartment that's perfect for couples who want a romantic getaway, thanks to its rustic and quaint decor, snug bed, open-plan kitchen and living room, and the bathroom that has a roll-top bath and walk-in rainforest shower.

Although it's in a quiet residential street, it's just minutes away from a host of restaurants and bars, not to mention the beach, so there's plenty of excitement around if you want to make the most of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Camping and staycation holidays

8. Brunswick Apartment

With a fully equipped kitchen, stocked mini bar and plasma screen TV, this regency townhouse is the perfect place to unwind after a day of frolicking by the beach.

Rooms offer picturesque views of the Brunswick Square gardens and the sea, and the city centre is a stone's throw away so it's ideal if you want to make the most of the city but also want a peaceful haven to escape to.

It's luxury on a budget at its best, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious rooms and limestone bathroom, so it's no surprise that the apartment has been awarded a five-star rating.

Enjoying a break with the kids? It's just a ten minute walk to the SEALife centre, not to mention all the major attractions including the pier are also close by.

9. Amsterdam Hotel

(Image: Booking.com/Amsterdam Hotel)

On the doorstep of: The Brighton Conference Centre

Whether you're travelling for business or leisure, the Amsterdam Hotel should be on your radar.

Just a 13-minute walk from the Brighton Conference Centre, it's even closer to a host restaurant and bars, not to mention the beach is literally one minute way - perfect if you're trying to unwind after a busy day of work.

There are brilliant rooms that suit a wide range of budgets, and they all include ensuite walk-in shower rooms, flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. (It's definitely worth splurging a little more for the views of the pier.)

If you've been at a conference all day and want a quick bite, the hotel itself has a contemporary bar with a large outdoor terrace offering sea views, not to mention you can get a delicious continental or Full English breakfast in the morning before you set off.

10. Brighton Seafront Travelodge

This Travelodge's central location means that you're only a short walk away from some of Brighton's most popular attractions including the Pier, the Royal Pavilion and the Dome Theatre.

All the rooms include a comfortable king-sized bed that's perfect for sinking into after an exciting day out, while the on-site restaurant serves both breakfast and tasty evening meals if you're feeling peckish!